WILL OF JOHN COX

10 August 1738

In the name of God Amen the Ten Day of August 1738 I John COX of Charles town in South Carolina Mariner being in perfect mind and memory Thanks be given to God therefore calling unto mind the mortallity of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament that is to say principally and First of all I Give and Recommend my Soul unto the Hands of God that gave it, and my Body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executrix and Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God to bless me in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in following manner and form.

Imprimis I give and Bequeath to Martha COX my Dearly and beloved Wife the use of all my Estate as long as she lives my Widow for her support and bring up my children but to sell none of my negroes, but if my Wife should marry Then I give her but one third part of my personal estate.

Item I give & bequeath unto my son Isaac my House in Charles town at my Wifes marriage or death, but the Rent to be Res.d by my Executors for the support of my children until my youngest Son that is alive is Eighteen years old Then my Son Isaac COX to possess the House to him and his heirs lawfully begotten of his Body for Ever and when my youngest Son shall be Eighteen years old to ord.n the Two Thirds of my Estate to be divided Between my children which shall be living.

Item I give at the marriage or Death of my Dear wife all my lands in New Providence equally to be divided between them and not to be sold but to each of them my five sons or as many as shall be living.

Item I give all my lands at the Death or marriage of my Wife in Bermuda to my children as shall be their Heirs equally to be divided between them that is living.

Item I give all my lands in Winyaw or Else where unto as many children as shall be living Equally to be divided between them

Item I give unto Joshebeth SMITH two children which I give her by Deed of Gift Nanny and Betty & one Gold ring, one chest of Drawers, one Bed and Bed stead which she how has in her possession in full of her legacey

I likewise constitute make and ordain my Dearly Wife Martha COX to be my Executrix with my Brother Florentious COX and my son Isaac COX and Joseph COX to be my Executors of this my last Will and Testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and year above written

Signed Sealed Published in the Presence of us the subscribers

Joseph Spencer

Daniel Rivers

Samuel Evans

This Will was proved before his Excellency James Glen Esq. 18th Janry. 1744 by Joseph Spencer and Daniel Rivers and that the same time did also see Samuel Evans one other of the witnesses sign thereto. Also qualified Martha COX now Martha BEASLY & Isaac COX Executrix and Executor within named. Recorded 11th December 1744.